Udupi: Police have arrested a fifth accused in connection with a case registered at the Malpe Police Station for allegedly transmitting confidential information related to naval ships. The arrest was made as part of an ongoing multi-state investigation into suspected illegal sharing of sensitive maritime details.
Accused traced to Kerala residence
The arrested individual has been identified as Alif Islam (21), son of the late Ijazul Islam. Investigators said he is originally from Bargariya village in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal but was recently staying in a rented house at Kokilakatta in Marayu village of Munnar taluk in Kerala’s Idukki district.
Based on technical and field intelligence, a police team tracked his movements and secured him on February 16, 2026. Officials said coordination between state units helped locate and apprehend the suspect outside Karnataka.
Preliminary findings suggest he was allegedly involved in transmitting restricted information relating to naval vessels. The nature of the data and the channels through which it was shared are currently under forensic and technical examination.
Produced before court, sent to judicial custody
Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the jurisdictional court on February 17, 2026. The court remanded him to judicial custody till February 21, 2026, to enable further investigation and custodial procedures as permitted under law.
Police sources said digital devices and communication records linked to the accused have been seized and are being analysed. Investigators are examining call logs, online accounts, and financial trails to determine whether he acted independently or as part of a wider network.
Nationality under verification
According to police sources, there is suspicion that the accused may be a Bangladeshi national. However, officials clarified that verification of nationality and identity documents is still in progress. Central agencies may also be consulted if cross-border links are established during the probe.
Authorities said appropriate legal provisions will be added once document verification and technical analysis are completed. Charges may be altered or expanded depending on confirmed findings.
Multi-accused case under active probe
With this arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has risen to five. Earlier arrests were made based on leads developed from electronic surveillance and interrogation inputs. Investigators believe more links could emerge as questioning and data analysis continue.
Police said cases involving defence or naval information are treated with high sensitivity, and multiple layers of verification are required before filing final charges. Officials are also examining whether any classified operational details were compromised or if the transmission involved only movement-related observations.
Further legal action likely
Investigators said additional sections may be invoked in the coming days depending on forensic reports and inter-agency feedback. More searches and seizures are also likely as part of follow-up action.
Officials reiterated that the probe is ongoing and declined to share operational details at this stage. A detailed report is expected after completion of the next phase of investigation.